Manika Vishwakarma from Rajasthan won Miss Universe India 2025 in Jaipur on August 18. She thanked her mentors, parents, and friends for their support. Manika, originally from Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, previously won Miss Universe Rajasthan 2024. She will represent India at the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand. Tanya Sharma from Uttar Pradesh was the first runner-up.

Solomon Islands' Prime Minister Manele barred outside observers, including US and Chinese officials, from the Pacific Islands Forum summit. This reflects growing regional frustration with great power competition, particularly erratic treatment from Washington under Trump. Tariffs and demands for political alignment are seen as undermining the post-war economic order.

Anita Advani claims she secretly married late Bollywood superstar Rajesh Khanna. Advani stated the private ceremony occurred at their home, with Khanna bestowing a mangal sutra and sindoor. She alleges their bond predates Khanna's marriage to Dimple Kapadia. Advani claims she was barred from Khanna's funeral in 2012. Doubts remain about the legality of the alleged marriage, as Khanna never divorced Kapadia. Khanna died in 2012, leaving behind Kapadia and their daughters.

The Horticulture Department of Karnataka has halted private walking tours in Cubbon Park, a popular green space in Bengaluru. The decision has been met with disappointment from tour operators and frequent visitors to the park, who argue that it is a public space that should be enjoyed in multiple ways. The department defends its decision, citing rules against commercial activities in the park.

Analysts predict government's GST reforms and pay commission will boost consumption-driven stocks like ACs, autos, FMCG, retail, and QSRs. Brokerages suggest focusing on consumption over capital expenditure. Beneficiaries include two-wheelers, ACs, cement, processed foods, footwear, hotels, garments, and farm equipment. Key stocks that may benefit include Hindustan Unilever, Maruti, Voltas, and HDFC Bank.

A 13-year-old Delhi girl, missing since July 21 after a dispute, was rescued from Shamli, Uttar Pradesh, where she was allegedly trafficked, forcibly married, and sexually assaulted. Police arrested four men: Rajeev, Vikas, Ashu, and Ramanjot Singh. The girl was traced through CCTV footage and phone analysis. Accused forged an Aadhaar card to portray her as an adult. The victim has been reunited with her family after counselling.

An Army soldier was allegedly assaulted by toll plaza employees in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. Police arrested six people after the incident on August 17, 2025. The NHAI fined the toll operator ₹20 lakh and initiated contract termination. The Army condemned the assault and filed a case. Protests erupted, with villagers demanding the toll company's license be cancelled. A BJP leader joined the protest. Police deployed additional forces to control the crowd.

The U.S. State Department revoked over 6,000 student visas this year due to violations like overstaying permits or breaking U.S. laws. About 4,000 revocations were linked to criminal offenses, including assault and DUI. Some visas were canceled over alleged terrorism. This came as the Trump administration increased scrutiny of student visa programs, especially regarding protests. The State Department issued roughly 400,000 F1 student visas in fiscal year 2024.

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla shared his experiences with PM Narendra Modi about his space journey to the ISS. He said there's global interest in India's Gaganyaan mission and many scientists want to be part of it. PM Modi emphasized the need for a pool of 40-50 astronauts for future missions, citing India's ambitions in space exploration by 2035 and lunar landing by 2040.

Odisha's Chief Minister Majhi announced the recruitment of 1,840 doctors and over 5,000 paramedical staff to address healthcare manpower shortages. Priority will be given to rural and tribal areas. The government will expedite recruitment of medical college faculty. Incentives for doctors in remote regions will be enhanced. Plans include increasing postgraduate seats, strengthening infrastructure, and establishing trauma centers.